Girl beaten up by gang of peers in Parma

Sparked by jealousy, evidence on Facebook

(ANSA) - Parma, February 12 - The latest in a series of cases
of case of bullying among Italian youths came to light on
Wednesday.
The case of a girl who was kicked and punched by five girls
of the same age and who suffered a broken nose and bruises as a
result is being investigated by a juvenile court, reported La
Gazzetta di Parma.

All of the suspects are under age 18, and the incident
allegedly occurred after the girl drew the attention of a boy
who was 'dating' another young girl.
The latter called on her friends to help her beat up her
'rival in love'.

Research done by the Italian non-profit organization Label
last year found that bullying among youths was rising in Italy
and that some 60% of children who are bullies in their youth are
likely to become delinquents, use drugs, abuse alcohol and spend
time in jail as they get older, according to the study's
findings.

Based on the interviews conducted as part of the research,
boys were the victims of bullying less often than girls (19%
compared to 23%).

There was no video footage documenting the attack - unlike
a similar, recent incident in the northern Italian town of
Bollate - but traces were found on social networks, including
Facebook.